Starring:
Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation), Liam Neeson (Do I really need to list all the movies he has been in?) and Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort)
Rating:
PG - 13 for fanstasy action violence, some frightening images and brief sensuality
Description:
Perseus was raised as a fisherman by his father and mother, yet knowing he was not born to them. After a tragedy which caused him to lose the only family he ever knew because of Hades, Perseus is filled with revenge. Will Perseus find a way to take his revenge and live to tell the tale or will he take a fanstatic journey to save a city condemed by the gods themselves and learn about himself along the way?
Review:
First of all I wanted to say this is NOT a remake. However there some similarties to this movie and the movie of the same name released in the 80's. Yes, there are parts of the storyline still there but really this focuses more on all characters not just Perseus and his bride like the first movie.
As an individual movie (as in not comparing it to the old) this was excellent. It had something for everyone, action, a little romance, a little drama and did I mention the action. The creatures appeared flawlessly and the interaction was incredible, as was the acting, the sets and the costumes. Sam Worthington made a fanstatic Perseus and played the part beautifully, giving Perseus all the traits that you would imagine he would have. Liam Neeson and Ralph Liennes played their parts to perfection as god brothers Zeus and Hades.
The only problem with this movie was, I hate to say it, Ralph. As much as we love his work, Voldemort was not alive in ancient greece so should not have appeared on several occasions. Ralph is amazing at playing a villian and he does it extremely well, however I do not know if it was the voice he made for Hades or the mannerisms but something about his character kept coming back to Voldemort. Luckily for Hades, Zeus and Perseus were there to take some attention away from him so it was not a huge distraction.
Overall I really liked this movie and will probably own it, but as I said fans looking for the same type movie as the first one may be disappointed. Action and romance fans may like this movie a lot while Sci-fi/fanstasy fans may like it a lot more. For the adrenaline junkies out there the action is not in short supply so this movie is very paced and will not disappoint.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Appointed Movie Critic
Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
How to Train Your Dragon - 2010
Starring:
Gerard Butler (300), Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up) and America Ferrera (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)
Rating:
PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images and brief language
Description:
Hiccup is a viking. And when you hear the word viking you are probably not picturing in your head a scrawny boy who likes to invent things and usually causes more problems than solves. Hiccup is a well known disgrace to his villiage for all his mess ups, and the fact that his father is the leader of the village just makes matters worse. Can a close encounter with a legendary dragon help Hiccup become the viking the village is waiting for or will it change everything he thought he knew and help him find the courage he needs to be happy as himself?
Review:
I will admit straight away, and everyone who knows me can verify this, I love dragons, in fact I collect them. So when the trailer came out I was immediately wanting to see it. In a way being a fan of dragons makes me a harder critic as I know everything about them, but this movie was perfect. The animation, storyline and characters were all done beautifully.
The dragons were scary, funny and sometimes cute. The action did not disappoint either, which was surprising for a children's movie but not for a dragon movie. Some children may find the action sequences a little intense so I would recommend viewing it before just to see for yourself whether or not it would be suitable for your own kids. My 5 year old daughter said it was a little scary towards the end, but she still loved it. For this movie I would recommend seeing the 3D version as the flying scenes are amazing. Without giving anything away the ending is good, however you may need to explain to younger children the situation as they may not understand. Don't worry its nothing extremely rude or bad, it just may confuse some children.
I did not realize until after seeing the movie that it was based on a book. With the movie being as amazing as it was I will definately be purchasing the book and will post a review on it once I have read it. This movie is definately one I will be owning when it comes out, I just hope the book is as good.
Overall I would recommend this movie to all dragon, fanstasy, action fans and children 5 +. Romantics may like the boy likes girl portion of the movie, but as its a children's movie don't expect much more than that. Sci-fi fans will want to miss this one unless they like dragons.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Gerard Butler (300), Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up) and America Ferrera (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)
Rating:
PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images and brief language
Description:
Hiccup is a viking. And when you hear the word viking you are probably not picturing in your head a scrawny boy who likes to invent things and usually causes more problems than solves. Hiccup is a well known disgrace to his villiage for all his mess ups, and the fact that his father is the leader of the village just makes matters worse. Can a close encounter with a legendary dragon help Hiccup become the viking the village is waiting for or will it change everything he thought he knew and help him find the courage he needs to be happy as himself?
Review:
I will admit straight away, and everyone who knows me can verify this, I love dragons, in fact I collect them. So when the trailer came out I was immediately wanting to see it. In a way being a fan of dragons makes me a harder critic as I know everything about them, but this movie was perfect. The animation, storyline and characters were all done beautifully.
The dragons were scary, funny and sometimes cute. The action did not disappoint either, which was surprising for a children's movie but not for a dragon movie. Some children may find the action sequences a little intense so I would recommend viewing it before just to see for yourself whether or not it would be suitable for your own kids. My 5 year old daughter said it was a little scary towards the end, but she still loved it. For this movie I would recommend seeing the 3D version as the flying scenes are amazing. Without giving anything away the ending is good, however you may need to explain to younger children the situation as they may not understand. Don't worry its nothing extremely rude or bad, it just may confuse some children.
I did not realize until after seeing the movie that it was based on a book. With the movie being as amazing as it was I will definately be purchasing the book and will post a review on it once I have read it. This movie is definately one I will be owning when it comes out, I just hope the book is as good.
Overall I would recommend this movie to all dragon, fanstasy, action fans and children 5 +. Romantics may like the boy likes girl portion of the movie, but as its a children's movie don't expect much more than that. Sci-fi fans will want to miss this one unless they like dragons.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
The Last Song - 2010
Starring:
Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Greg Kinnar (Stuck on You) and a relatively new actor Liam Hemsworth (Knowing)
Rating:
PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language
Movie description:
If there's one thing Roni does not want to do for the summer its spend time with her enstrangled father. Can this summer provide an experience of self discovery so deep that they become closer than they once were or can a new boyfriend in the form of Will, simply pull her further and further away? Either way this will be a summer to remember.
Review:
First off let me say that as Hannah Montana I am not a fan of Miley. Although the movie was a million times better than the TV show. When seeing this trailer it looked intriguing and since we are all praying for summer to come sooner rather than later I thought it would be worth a look. And I was right.
Without giving anything away I must warn action fans to stay clear. Yes, it does say that there is some violence but really it is one scene and is over before the adrenaline has time to spread in your body. This movie is a romantic, family type drama and ladies I prewarn you water proof make up and tissues may be a good idea. The acting and storyline were both incredible. While watching the movie Miley disappeared and became the young woman the story detailed. Honestly I both hoped and had my fingers crossed that she would be successful in making the transition from Disney Channel star to Actress and I feel that this movie proved she could do it. Her real life and movie boyfriend, Liam, plays Will the very gorgeous stranger who seems to realize there is more to Roni than she lets on and is determined to find out what it is. Through the course of the movie the chemistry between Miley and Liam is clear, and although most scenes are away from other people they do not keep the chemistry between themselves. Greg, who plays Roni's father, is as always amazing. He is not only funny, but charming, caring and at times soulful. Both Miley and Liam interact with Greg perfectly, as well as the young boy who plays Roni's little brother.
I would recommend this movie to hopeless romantics and people who love the drama type cryfest movies. Again action and sci-fi fans may want to pass on this one.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Greg Kinnar (Stuck on You) and a relatively new actor Liam Hemsworth (Knowing)
Rating:
PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language
Movie description:
If there's one thing Roni does not want to do for the summer its spend time with her enstrangled father. Can this summer provide an experience of self discovery so deep that they become closer than they once were or can a new boyfriend in the form of Will, simply pull her further and further away? Either way this will be a summer to remember.
Review:
First off let me say that as Hannah Montana I am not a fan of Miley. Although the movie was a million times better than the TV show. When seeing this trailer it looked intriguing and since we are all praying for summer to come sooner rather than later I thought it would be worth a look. And I was right.
Without giving anything away I must warn action fans to stay clear. Yes, it does say that there is some violence but really it is one scene and is over before the adrenaline has time to spread in your body. This movie is a romantic, family type drama and ladies I prewarn you water proof make up and tissues may be a good idea. The acting and storyline were both incredible. While watching the movie Miley disappeared and became the young woman the story detailed. Honestly I both hoped and had my fingers crossed that she would be successful in making the transition from Disney Channel star to Actress and I feel that this movie proved she could do it. Her real life and movie boyfriend, Liam, plays Will the very gorgeous stranger who seems to realize there is more to Roni than she lets on and is determined to find out what it is. Through the course of the movie the chemistry between Miley and Liam is clear, and although most scenes are away from other people they do not keep the chemistry between themselves. Greg, who plays Roni's father, is as always amazing. He is not only funny, but charming, caring and at times soulful. Both Miley and Liam interact with Greg perfectly, as well as the young boy who plays Roni's little brother.
I would recommend this movie to hopeless romantics and people who love the drama type cryfest movies. Again action and sci-fi fans may want to pass on this one.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Bounty Hunter - 2010
Starring:
Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston
Rating:
PG - 13 for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence
Movie description:
An ex-cop turned bounty hunter finds out that his next job is his ex-wife, who skipped court while investigating a murder cover up. Once reunited this at odds couple find themselves not only trying to survive each other but people who are trying to kill them.
Review:
The trailer for this movie was extremely funny so I knew it was a must see, however I was concerned that like some many other movies the trailer would reveal all the good parts. I am glad to be wrong. This movie was very well written, acted and played out on screen. It was very funny, romantic and held enough action with sexual content for the men. Butler, played a great character the ex-cop/bounty hunter with a soft side for his ex-wife. Jen, played a great reporter trying the land a huge story, skips court and finds out her ex has to take her to jail.
I believe this movie has everything and should be suitable for everyone. The action is fast paced for those adrenaline junkies amoug us, the romance has the perfect Awww factor and the laughs just come on coming. Sci-fi fans may want to avoid this movie as it is all action, comedy and romance.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston
Rating:
PG - 13 for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence
Movie description:
An ex-cop turned bounty hunter finds out that his next job is his ex-wife, who skipped court while investigating a murder cover up. Once reunited this at odds couple find themselves not only trying to survive each other but people who are trying to kill them.
Review:
The trailer for this movie was extremely funny so I knew it was a must see, however I was concerned that like some many other movies the trailer would reveal all the good parts. I am glad to be wrong. This movie was very well written, acted and played out on screen. It was very funny, romantic and held enough action with sexual content for the men. Butler, played a great character the ex-cop/bounty hunter with a soft side for his ex-wife. Jen, played a great reporter trying the land a huge story, skips court and finds out her ex has to take her to jail.
I believe this movie has everything and should be suitable for everyone. The action is fast paced for those adrenaline junkies amoug us, the romance has the perfect Awww factor and the laughs just come on coming. Sci-fi fans may want to avoid this movie as it is all action, comedy and romance.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sherlock Holmes - 2009
Starring:
Robert Dowling JR (Iron Man), Jude Law (The Holiday) and Rachel McAdams (The Notebook)
Rating:
PG - 13 for intense scenes of violence and action, startling imagines and a scene of suggestive material
Movie description:
Detective Sherlock Holmes and his sometimes relunctant partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemsis, who plans on destroying England. The catch is they thought he had already been killed. Is this a case of the supernatural at work or just another great mystery that can be solved with logic?
Review:
Watching the trailer for this movie I was intrigued. Being from England tales of Sherlock Holmes were everywhere, including TV shows, movies and books by the time I was old enough to take interest. One of my favorites was an older movie about the Young Sherlock Holmes, which detailed how Watson and he first met this portion of course is speculation and no books have specifically come to light which tells actually that. Anyway, this movie was my favorite as I loved both the intelligence, hint of danger and the darkness of it. This movie in 2009, although not a sequel, is my favorite regarding the grown up Sherlock and situations he may have faced. Sherlock, played by Robert, is simply everything you would want him to be, annoying while interesting, humorous while completely serious and above all intelligent as you guess him to be with a hint of scumbag thrown in. Watson, played by Jude, was also perfectly cast. He showed the loveable and loyal character we know and love. The movie was overall excellent. Riveting in the acting whether it be romance, mystery or action it did not disappoint. I feel that some movies allow the special effects to do the talking and with this movie I felt the story held its own, which in my opinion made the effects even more amazing.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes, action and mystery movies. Romantics may enjoy it, however there is very little of it to be seen.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Robert Dowling JR (Iron Man), Jude Law (The Holiday) and Rachel McAdams (The Notebook)
Rating:
PG - 13 for intense scenes of violence and action, startling imagines and a scene of suggestive material
Movie description:
Detective Sherlock Holmes and his sometimes relunctant partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemsis, who plans on destroying England. The catch is they thought he had already been killed. Is this a case of the supernatural at work or just another great mystery that can be solved with logic?
Review:
Watching the trailer for this movie I was intrigued. Being from England tales of Sherlock Holmes were everywhere, including TV shows, movies and books by the time I was old enough to take interest. One of my favorites was an older movie about the Young Sherlock Holmes, which detailed how Watson and he first met this portion of course is speculation and no books have specifically come to light which tells actually that. Anyway, this movie was my favorite as I loved both the intelligence, hint of danger and the darkness of it. This movie in 2009, although not a sequel, is my favorite regarding the grown up Sherlock and situations he may have faced. Sherlock, played by Robert, is simply everything you would want him to be, annoying while interesting, humorous while completely serious and above all intelligent as you guess him to be with a hint of scumbag thrown in. Watson, played by Jude, was also perfectly cast. He showed the loveable and loyal character we know and love. The movie was overall excellent. Riveting in the acting whether it be romance, mystery or action it did not disappoint. I feel that some movies allow the special effects to do the talking and with this movie I felt the story held its own, which in my opinion made the effects even more amazing.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes, action and mystery movies. Romantics may enjoy it, however there is very little of it to be seen.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Friday, March 26, 2010
Cirque du Freak: Vampire's Assistant - 2009
Starring:
John C Reilly (Step Brothers), John Hutcherson (Zathura) and introducing Chris Massoglia
Rating:
PG - 13 for sequences of intense supernatural violence and action, disturbing imagines, thematic elements and language
Movie Description:
Meet Darren, straight A student and all around normal guy that is until him and his best friend Steve receive tickets to a freak show. Seeing the amazing freaks is nothing compared to the events that follow. Soon Darren is faced with a choice which may cost him more than his family and friends.
Review:
This movie looked amazing from the trailer and I love vampires so I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did. Great special effects, storyline and acting on all counts. To me this movie had everything, action, romance and a little dark side that is a must have for any vampire movie. What I did not know about this movie is that it was based on a book, or rather a series of books, so the to be continued ending was unexpected. That being said the ending did not feel sudden, through out the movie I got the feeling that there would be more to come than just the one movie so the ending felt right even though it is always frustrating to wait :). I have since heard that the movie is nothing like the books, as I haven't read them I can't say I agree or not, but I will say that this movie has given me the interest I need to read them in the future and that for me is a great achievement.
Overall action fans, high school type romance fans and comedy fans may like this movie and people who like/love vampires will too. Die-hard action fans may be able to watch this movie, just don't expect huge amounts of adrenaline.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie buff
John C Reilly (Step Brothers), John Hutcherson (Zathura) and introducing Chris Massoglia
Rating:
PG - 13 for sequences of intense supernatural violence and action, disturbing imagines, thematic elements and language
Movie Description:
Meet Darren, straight A student and all around normal guy that is until him and his best friend Steve receive tickets to a freak show. Seeing the amazing freaks is nothing compared to the events that follow. Soon Darren is faced with a choice which may cost him more than his family and friends.
Review:
This movie looked amazing from the trailer and I love vampires so I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did. Great special effects, storyline and acting on all counts. To me this movie had everything, action, romance and a little dark side that is a must have for any vampire movie. What I did not know about this movie is that it was based on a book, or rather a series of books, so the to be continued ending was unexpected. That being said the ending did not feel sudden, through out the movie I got the feeling that there would be more to come than just the one movie so the ending felt right even though it is always frustrating to wait :). I have since heard that the movie is nothing like the books, as I haven't read them I can't say I agree or not, but I will say that this movie has given me the interest I need to read them in the future and that for me is a great achievement.
Overall action fans, high school type romance fans and comedy fans may like this movie and people who like/love vampires will too. Die-hard action fans may be able to watch this movie, just don't expect huge amounts of adrenaline.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie buff
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Robin Hood (TV Show) - 2006
Starring:
Jonas Armstrong and Richard Armitage (both english actors so if you don't know them you can google their names)
Rating:
Made for English TV so no rating but I would probably say PG - 13 since there is a lot of violence and some blood.
Description:
The classic tale of Robin Hood given a new revamp using a younger Robin, Jonas, as he returns from the Holy Land to find the country in ruins and the people deperate for help. Instead of taking his place as noble of Locksley beside the horrid Sherrif and Guy of Gisborne, Robin leaves his home, riches and position, to live as the outlaw we have come to know as a legend.
Review:
Before this Kevin Costner's version of Robin Hood was my favorite, now my opinion has changed. Jonas plays the perfect Robin Hood, showing the true emotion and struggles that each person deals with in real life. This Robin Hood contained everything that you would imagine the real Robin Hood, if there was one, would have dealt with. All the names we know and love are included Little John, Will Scarlet etc. There are also some characters I was not familar with but came to know and love through the TV show, Much the trusted best friend/sidekick being one of them.
Season 1:
The series for me started off with a bang. The introduction of each person was flawless and seemed to fit well within the storyline for the episode they were in. Each episode during this season was created with the stories of Robin Hood we know, from meeting Little John to the introduction of Maid Marian. The action was frequent and entertaining as well as held its own when it came down to just focusing on the emotions of the moment.
Season 2:
Most TV shows fall on there second season. I personally feel that this did not, however there were parts that I did not like. Jonas continued to bring Robin Hood to life in an amazing and realistic way, all the while the Sherrif and Guy tried to find knew ways to torment him. I have to say that towards the end of this season, Maid Marian was getting a little annoying and it was no shock to me that the end of the season came with it some sorrow. I won't spoil it for people in case they want to watch it, but it was for me very touching and very much needed.
Season 3 - last season:
For me season three was the downfall of this series and not for the reasons that I have read before, regarding Maid Marian. With several people leaving the show at the end of season 2, season 3 saw new faces, which is risky and new storylines. Aside from the obvious new female characters that appeared, there was also the arrival of Prince John, who I have to say is one of the best performances I have seen. The Prince John of this Robin Hood delivered an amazing and convincing villian. He matched Robin Hood in everyway his opposite. The more love Robin had for the people the more hatred John has, it worked perfectly. Sadly Prince John did not appear through out the entire season and vanished after only a few episodes, which caused the rather tiresome Sherrif, Guy and Robin triangle to continue. Although the season ended on a rather sad/happy note, the last two episodes (the ending two parter) was a disappointment. There were so many holes in the storyline that it was hard to look pass them. The actors/actresses did the best they could with what they were given and still they delivered perfectly until the end...regrettably it was not enough to see the rating stay up and the possibility of another season.
All fans of Robin Hood should check out this TV show from the BBC. Even though there will not be another season, I feel they wrapped up everything with the last two episodes and made the story of Robin Hood come to life once more. Watch out for Jonas Armstrong, who played Robin, I have a feeling that this young man will appear in more movies and become a very big star, if he hasn't already.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
Jonas Armstrong and Richard Armitage (both english actors so if you don't know them you can google their names)
Rating:
Made for English TV so no rating but I would probably say PG - 13 since there is a lot of violence and some blood.
Description:
The classic tale of Robin Hood given a new revamp using a younger Robin, Jonas, as he returns from the Holy Land to find the country in ruins and the people deperate for help. Instead of taking his place as noble of Locksley beside the horrid Sherrif and Guy of Gisborne, Robin leaves his home, riches and position, to live as the outlaw we have come to know as a legend.
Review:
Before this Kevin Costner's version of Robin Hood was my favorite, now my opinion has changed. Jonas plays the perfect Robin Hood, showing the true emotion and struggles that each person deals with in real life. This Robin Hood contained everything that you would imagine the real Robin Hood, if there was one, would have dealt with. All the names we know and love are included Little John, Will Scarlet etc. There are also some characters I was not familar with but came to know and love through the TV show, Much the trusted best friend/sidekick being one of them.
Season 1:
The series for me started off with a bang. The introduction of each person was flawless and seemed to fit well within the storyline for the episode they were in. Each episode during this season was created with the stories of Robin Hood we know, from meeting Little John to the introduction of Maid Marian. The action was frequent and entertaining as well as held its own when it came down to just focusing on the emotions of the moment.
Season 2:
Most TV shows fall on there second season. I personally feel that this did not, however there were parts that I did not like. Jonas continued to bring Robin Hood to life in an amazing and realistic way, all the while the Sherrif and Guy tried to find knew ways to torment him. I have to say that towards the end of this season, Maid Marian was getting a little annoying and it was no shock to me that the end of the season came with it some sorrow. I won't spoil it for people in case they want to watch it, but it was for me very touching and very much needed.
Season 3 - last season:
For me season three was the downfall of this series and not for the reasons that I have read before, regarding Maid Marian. With several people leaving the show at the end of season 2, season 3 saw new faces, which is risky and new storylines. Aside from the obvious new female characters that appeared, there was also the arrival of Prince John, who I have to say is one of the best performances I have seen. The Prince John of this Robin Hood delivered an amazing and convincing villian. He matched Robin Hood in everyway his opposite. The more love Robin had for the people the more hatred John has, it worked perfectly. Sadly Prince John did not appear through out the entire season and vanished after only a few episodes, which caused the rather tiresome Sherrif, Guy and Robin triangle to continue. Although the season ended on a rather sad/happy note, the last two episodes (the ending two parter) was a disappointment. There were so many holes in the storyline that it was hard to look pass them. The actors/actresses did the best they could with what they were given and still they delivered perfectly until the end...regrettably it was not enough to see the rating stay up and the possibility of another season.
All fans of Robin Hood should check out this TV show from the BBC. Even though there will not be another season, I feel they wrapped up everything with the last two episodes and made the story of Robin Hood come to life once more. Watch out for Jonas Armstrong, who played Robin, I have a feeling that this young man will appear in more movies and become a very big star, if he hasn't already.
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Movie Buff
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